Mark Pino came to our county meeting in June to listen in on
what we had to say and to report the progress that our
county has and is making for this year. We certainly do have
advocacy on our to-do list this year; making sure that our members
have as much fun and experience this year in SWAT as possible.

Teens chase funds,
law to fight smoking, an article that was published in the Orlando
Sentinel on July 4th highlights the commitment of Osceola County
SWAT. What a way to celebrate the 4th of July!

I would like to point out several things that Mark Pino had
said in his article: "Osceola County SWAT Members remain committed."

He is absolutely right. We here in Osceola County are not squabbling
about the pathetic $1 million the state program has received, instead
we are continuing to fight big tobacco and educating the public
about tobacco's lies on a local level with several county initiatives
planned this year.

"Members will make a pitch to county commissioners later
this year. SWAT wants the county to enact an ordinance to get tobacco
products out of the view of minors.

A similar effort was turned away in 2001 when county officials
said enforcement of such a law was better left to the state. But
SWAT members have collected more than 1,000 signatures and point
to the fact 59 counties have such ordinances in place."

On Monday, August 2nd, 3 students representing Osceola SWAT which
formed the Ordinance Team made a presentation to the Board of County
Commissioners. The outcome of our presentation was 'off da hook!'
For the second time since 2001 that SWAT has presented a tobacco
placement ordinance to the County Commissioners, the outlook this
time around looks the best its ever seen. I would like to thank
Laura Corbin, the Region 4 Tobacco Prevention Coordinator for coming
to watch us give our presentation to the Board.

"It's war. Supporting SWAT cuts down on the casualties.
Sadly, after years on the offensive, SWAT is fighting for its life.
I'm rooting for survival and revival."

All I have to say on that is that I hope that the state wises up
and realizes that what they are doing to our model program is only
benefiting big tobacco; and that they should fund a program
that promotes education and a healthier lifestyle for Florida's
children.

Thank you Mark Pino for a well written article about this organization
and thank you for your support of Students Working Against Tobacco.